Footage of UFC chief executive Dana White slapping his wife, Anne, resurfaced after Donald Trump announced that he had offered White the White House press secretary position. Political commentator Ed Krassenstein reposted the December 2022 footage on X on 7 November, linking the nightclub confrontation to Trump's announcement.
'This is the man who Trump wants to be the White House press secretary,' he wrote.
It brought attention back to the consequences of the incident: White publicly apologised in January 2023 but remained in charge of the UFC without a suspension. The president later dismissed the proposal of White becoming press secretary as a joke.
What the Nightclub Footage Shows
The confrontation happened at El Squid Roe nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on 31 December 2022. Footage released the following January showed White grabbing Anne's wrist before she slapped him. White then slapped her back before other people intervened.
This is UFC CEO Dana White engaging in a physical altercation with his wife, Anne White, during a New Year’s Eve celebration at a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) November 7, 2026
This is the man who Trump wants to be the White House press secretary. pic.twitter.com/1PPr3Zvf8i
Both spouses issued statements after the recording became public. Anne described White's behaviour as out of character and said they had discussed the incident with their family.
'Unfortunately, we were both drinking too much on New Year's Eve and things got out of control on both sides,' she said in a statement to TMZ. 'We've talked this through as a family and apologized to each other. I just hope people will respect our privacy for the sake of our kids.'
White apologised publicly and, when questioned by reporters on 11 January 2023, rejected attempts to justify his actions. 'There's never an excuse. There's no defense for this, and people should not be defending me, no matter what,' he said. 'All the criticism I've received this week is 100% warranted.'
White Remained in Charge of the UFC
White continued leading the UFC without a suspension over his actions. Asked about professional consequences, he argued that stepping aside would harm employees and fighters rather than provide an effective punishment.
'Me leaving hurts the company, hurts my employees, hurts the fighters,' he said.
White said he had discussed the incident with Ari Emanuel, chief executive of the UFC's then-parent company Endeavor, and broadcaster ESPN. He acknowledged that the damage to his reputation could last.
'My other punishment is that I'm sure a lot of people—whether it be media, fighters, friends, acquaintances—who had respect for me might not have respect for me now,' he said.
Trump Floated a Longstanding Ally for the Role
Trump and White's relationship dates back to 2001, when the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City hosted UFC events. White later became a prominent political supporter, appearing at Republican conventions and introducing Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
In his 7 November social media announcement, Trump described White as a 'violent Fighter and Warrior,' alongside his suggestion that six UFC fighters serve as assistants.
🤔📱Dana White just posted an AI generated picture of him in the White House
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) November 7, 2026
“On to the next chapter.”👀👀
(via @danawhite) pic.twitter.com/B1i0Rv2eIU
White shared an apparently AI-generated image of himself behind the White House briefing podium on Instagram Stories, accompanied by the caption 'On to the next chapter.' He also told reporters that he had a meeting scheduled with Trump for Monday, 9 November. The Instagram post did not confirm that he had accepted a position.
Trump just posted a minute-long AI slop video in the style of Family Guy, featuring Dana White as White House press secretary and Josh Hokit declaring, “Michelle Obama is a man.” pic.twitter.com/CHASjvNAP8
— Adam Mockler (@adammocklerr) November 8, 2026
Trump also shared a roughly minute-long, apparently AI-generated cartoon on Truth Social on 8 November, depicting White as White House press secretary and UFC fighters attacking journalists during a fictional briefing. The animation, in the style of Family Guy, includes a character depicting fighter Josh Hokit repeating the false conspiracy claim that Michelle Obama is a man.
Trump Said He Was 'Only Kidding'
Trump later clarified his intentions on 8 November, saying he was 'only kidding' and describing the announcement as 'just a little fun.' He said White's planned White House visit concerned other matters.
There was no confirmed appointment, but Krassenstein's repost had already brought the nightclub footage into political discussion, linking White's past conduct to the responsibilities of speaking for the president.
